[Arryn]

Originally posted by splooger:
When I look at the army strength history, no one is even close to Ermor in military might.

Having Ermor in a game with other AIs is in general not a good idea, IMO, as the AIs do not know how to handle them, so it will ultimately be you against Ermor, and as a beginner, that's likely more than you can handle, as you have seen. Taking a nation who's primary form of attack is mental against a nation which has mainly mindless units is the worst sort of match-up, and only compounds your problems as a beginner.

I also wish there were a way to save a game before a battle so you can reload if you get screwed in cases like that.

You can manually save the 3 game turn files (zip them up) each turn before you press 'host' and thus be able to go back and replay a battle, repositioning your units or scripting different spells.

What is a good world set up and race choice for a beginner that can't come close to victory with easy AI settings?

Try Jotunheim. Giants are big and tough and can usually crush most independents with little trouble at the default settings. Or you can try Ulm, which has very tough units. As for maps, it's hard to go wrong with a smaller map like Aran and few AIs.

It's easier, IMO, to learn the game by trying mundane tactics of crushing your enemies with traditional troops and traditional fire & maneuver tactics, and wade in slowly with the more 'advanced' concepts of magic attacks and magical units. It gives you a feel for the basic game mechanics, without overwhelming you with everything at once. Just my view, FWIW.